Monday 27 February 2012

El Chorro and the Caminito del Rey, Spain

Got back on Saturday from a great trip in southern Spain. Had a bit of a scare on arriving in Malaga - rain, heavy, torrential rain! Thankfully the clouds disappeared and we were left with glorious sunshine for the remainder of the trip!

It took a few days to get used to the climbing there - probably a combination of the long, steep walk-ins, the searing heat, the evening Rioja, 30m+ routes and a staple diet of chocolate biscuits and chorizo!

Eventually we did actually manage to get some decent routes done though, Jon bagging 4 or more 7a/+ routes, and me with an extra day, and extra layer of skin on my fingertips could have bagged my first 7b sport climb, next time!


On such a long trip you need a rest day, and what better way to recover than following a 90 year old crumbling footpath embedded (just!) into the walls of a 400ft deep gorge? Enter, the Caminito del Rey. Via ferrata all the way (mostly), although I wouldn't like to test the wires! A great day out nonetheless. (For a 3D guided tour, visit www.caminitodelrey.com).


What better way to escape the British winter blues?!

Tuesday 21 February 2012

Back to the wall

Twas good to see a good bunch return to the wall tonight plus some new/potential new members. Good times :)

Wednesday 15 February 2012

The goal: 7b. Onsight.

Finally got my boarding passes printed - tomorrow evening I'll be flying to El Chorro (just north of Malaga, Spain) for a week or so of sport climbing in the sun. Oh, and doing this(!) - www.elcaminitodelrey.com

But first, the tedious task of packing.

Monday 13 February 2012

While the cats away

Busy week. With Saz being away on Hen Dos the last weekend lve been trying to get out as much as pos.
Last weekend did bike ride with Mike on Fri, followed by a night ride. On the Sat a proper 20miler MTB with Mike, followed by a hardcore run against the snow. Enjoyable Curry after the Rugby with Martin, Ifor, James, Dan, Tasmin, Herman and Jim.

More details of these activates to follow.
Woke Sunday with aching legs do took day off.
Yesterday made mistake of winter run. The run was no mistake, however finishing in the dark without a head torch, and having had a beer before k started was!
Anyhows on train to Bristol to go bouldering now :)
Chris

Bouldering Competition @ TCA

Competed at The Climbing Academy on-sight bouldering competition again last week. 20 problems in 2 hours, not as easy at it sounds! Didn't do too badly considering I never boulder, but plenty of room for improvement! 


-Ifor

Sport climbing @ Brean

It may be January, but that's no reason not to get climbing outdoors. The crag at Brean, just south of Weston-Super-Mare is an ideal cold weather crag, it's a veritable sun-trap - climbing is possible pretty much year-round. Although there are many trad lines to choose from, the rock isn't really suited for placing gear, so it's best to stick to the sport routes on offer.

I don't think there's anything easier than a 6a or harder there, so it's not a crag for the beginner! The best lines seem to be 7a/b and harder... a great excuse to get down to the wall and start training!

-Ifor

Deep Water Soloing

Managed to squeeze in a days DWS off/on Poda Island, together with attempting a few bouldering problems on the beach whilst on Honeymoon :) Chris